The Southwest Airlines Baggage Changes Start in 6 Days

If you’ve been keeping up with the Southwest Airlines baggage changes, we hate to tell you that they are happening in six days!

Southwest Airlines has made some very interesting, to put it one way, choices lately. They announced the end of their opening seating policy and the end of their free checked bag perk. Sorry, Southwest flyers, the finale of these perks is just around the corner.

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Southwest made the announcement earlier this year that it would be ending its “bags fly free” policy. This was a staple policy of Southwest that allowed passengers to fly with two free checked bags. Seriously, what a perk!

What’s surprising is that they would end the policy after it was arguably the biggest perk the airline had to offer for 54 years!

The change officially takes place on May 28th. Yes, that’s right, just six days from today, next week! The change will be in effect right before those summer rushes start to flood in. Maybe people will be switching up their airline for their summer vacation for this reason.

The airline won’t be entirely getting rid of free checked bags. Southwest will be offering two free checked bags to its Rapid Rewards A-List Members and others who book seats with Business Select. According to Southwest, regular A-List Members, Rapid Reward credit card members, and other select passengers will be able to check one bag for free. Unfortunately, this doesn’t fit everyone.

To say this change comes as a complete shock would be true. Not only did the policy give the airline leverage in competition, but the Southwest CEO, Bob Johnson, reiterated that bags would continue to fly for free. This was back in September of 2024, so not too long ago!

Another perk that is coming to an end soon is the open seating policy. This was another huge reason people would fly with the airline, so it’s another questionable move. You’ll be able to book assigned seats in late 2025, with the process officially changing in 2026.

Lastly, Southwest will be making some adjustments to the Rapid Rewards points system. Members will earn more points when booking Business Select prices. However, they will earn fewer points when booking Wanna Get Away or Wanna Get Away Plus options. On top of that, the Rapids Rewards points will vary depending on the point redemption and depending on how high or low the demand for a flight is.

The airline claims that all these changes are “aimed to deepen and reward loyalty between Southwest and its most engaged customers”. We’ll see what the impact has on the airline very soon. If you’re planning on traveling with Southwest this summer, just be aware that the luggage change will take place on May 28th! For more on the latest news, make sure to follow us at AllEars.

Here’s all the information you need on Southwest’s seating policy changes

What are your thoughts on the airline’s changes? Let us know in the comments.

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